advice pls! retake score dropped 1 point 509 -> 508

[loophua]

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snip, solved.

 

[Goro]

MD might be more of a challenge, but it really depends on the strength of the entire app, and a strategic school list. Chances for DO are outstanding.



Don't retake the exam. You've hit your plateau.

 

[AJS59]

Agree with Goro's assessment. You may need to modify your list but rushing a retake is a bad idea. Go forth and apply.

 

[Rachapkis]

Given that you have two scores that are the same, they are likely an accurate reflection of where you stand. Retaking the test for a third time may cause some to question your judgment. I know that these scores are a disappointment to you but they will not prevent you from becoming a doctor if you apply to the right mix of schools (MD and DO).

 

[Mr.Smile12]

A 508 is equivalent to a 509 (confidence bands). Most reapplicants' second scores fall within 3 points of their first.

Many schools average scores while screening applications. And a 508-509 will not prevent you from getting into medical school if you have a smart list that fits you.

 

[Med Ed]

I need study tips, I feel as though the score is not representative of what I know on the MCAT but I'm not sure what to do anymore.

You apply with a 509/508 score pattern. Slightly below the average for matriculants, but given how averages work it's perfectly okay. People get into medical school with these numbers, just adapt and move on.

Many people are dismayed by their MCAT score, feeling it doesn't reflect their actual knowledge. But the score is what it is: a reflection of how you performed on that test on that day. Since you will take innumerable high-stakes tests throughout your medical career, understand that performance the day of is all that matters.

Agree with the above, don't rush a third take. There probably aren't some magic study tips that will give you a significantly higher score 3 months from now. And heading into a cycle with three MCAT attempts is never an optimal look.

 

[Faha]

What are your ECs ? How many hours do you have of physician shadowing, clinical volunteering/employment and non clinical volunteering?

 

[Goro]

Given that you have two scores that are the same, they are very likely an accurate reflection of where you stand. Retaking the test for a third time may cause some to question your judgment. I know that these scores are a disappointment to you but they will not prevent you from becoming a doctor if you apply to the right mix of schools (a mix of MD and DO).

Your MCAT scores are not a reflection of your value as a human being, nor an assessment of your character.

 

[GoSpursGo]

Hard truth: "I feel" is not a valid argument for why you could do better on a 3rd retake. The objective data are the objective data. Time to stop thinking about study tips and instead focus on how to best set your application up for success with a realistic school list.

 

[loophua]

What are your ECs ? How many hours do you have of physician shadowing, clinical volunteering/employment and non clinical volunteering?

snip, solved!

 

[Med Ed]

1k clinical volunteering and employment, 2k non clinical volunteering (significant impact in local community), 50 shadowing (DO and MD), 1k research, 500-600 college club leadership...does this influence your opinion on the mcat? lowk spent so much time in college in nonclinical volunteering

You have a superb GPA, a ~75th percentile MCAT, and tons of work, volunteering, and research.

If you apply broadly, and submit to the tyranny of using appropriate capitalization and punctuation throughout your application, you may just find a home somewhere. Probably not Stanford or UCSF, but we all have to make sacrifices in life.

 

[Faha]

1k clinical volunteering and employment, 2k non clinical volunteering (significant impact in local community), 50 shadowing (DO and MD), 1k research, 500-600 college club leadership...does this influence your opinion on the mcat? lowk spent so much time in college in nonclinical volunteering

Your ECs are excellent. I suggest these schools with your stats:
Vermont
Quinnipiac
Albany
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson
Penn State
George Washington
Georgetown
Virginia Commonwealth
Eastern Virginia
Wake Forest
Methodist (when it opens)
NOVA MD
Belmont
Alice Walton
Tulane
TCU
Creighton
St. Louis
Rosalind Franklin
Loyola
Rush
Medical College Wisconsin
Oakland Beaumont
Wayne State
Roseman
California University
UC Davis
UC Riverside (if you are from that region)
Loma Linda (if you fit their mission)

 

[hottentot]

in aug I got a 129/128/126/126 (509) to retake january of this year and just opened my score, I got 126/128/128/126, (508) feeling horrible because I genuinely didn't think I would do worse on this one. I have another retake scheduled in May because I was planning on applying this cycle and have everything ready.

for context though, I am an female asian in California, my gpa is a 3.95

I need study tips, I feel as though the score is not representative of what I know on the MCAT but I'm not sure what to do anymore. is MD out of the question for me now?

Relax! you're still going to be competitive (potentially)...a score of 510/509 won't put you out of consideration, but it would likely be a red flag to take MCAT a third time. That said, your overall application, if solid, should be a plus. Not knowing the particulars of your package, it's hard to formulate a prediction, but one fact is for certain: you will most definitely not secure an interview if you forego applying.